Refuge reports increased image abuse cases

On the 5th anniversary of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, the UK's leading domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has raised alarms regarding the rising incidence of intimate image abuse and the dismal charging rates for offenders. While the act aimed to strengthen protections against such abuses, new data reveals a concerning trend. Recorded intimate image abuse offences have surged by 26.9%, yet only 4.8% of these cases have resulted in charges or summons, showing a severe decline in accountability for perpetrators.

Refuge's advocacy led to the inclusion of threats to share intimate images as a crime within the Domestic Abuse Act, marking a pivotal change when it came into force. Despite this legislative milestone, the reality for survivors remains grim. As Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment at Refuge, articulated, “five years on from the Domestic Abuse Act, survivors of intimate image abuse are being failed far too often.”

The data collected from 43 police forces in England and Wales has revealed troubling statistics. Between 2021 and 2025, intimate image abuse reports rose significantly, yet the charging rates have dropped from 5.8% to an alarming 4.5%. Of 21,905 recorded offences, 12,265 cases saw no charges even when suspects were identified. With more than half of cases stalling due to victims withdrawing support or evidential issues, Refuge is concerned about the systemic failures within the police response to these crimes.

The charity's technology-facilitated abuse services have faced an increasing demand, with referrals skyrocketing by over 62% in 2025 compared to the previous year. This escalation underscores the urgent need for improved police practices and better victim support systems. Refuge advocates mandatory training for police officers to equip them with the skills needed to effectively identify, investigate, and engage with victims of intimate image abuse.

Although there have been recent moves towards reform, including the government's Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, Refuge insists that these measures must be enforced urgently and comprehensively, calling for accountability from tech companies that allow harmful content to proliferate on their platforms. Emma Pickering emphasised the importance of this accountability, stating that only then will women and girls feel empowered to use technology safely, as they deserve.

The stark disparity between the rising reports of intimate image abuse and the shockingly low charge rates raises critical concerns and highlights the pressing need for significant reform to ensure justice and support for survivors of this abuse.